Vectors and matrices

Cross product

A three-dimensional vector perpendicular to two input vectors, with magnitude equal to the parallelogram area they span.

Common notationa×b

In one sentence

What does Cross product mean?

A three-dimensional vector perpendicular to two input vectors, with magnitude equal to the parallelogram area they span.

How it is written

a×b

A compact example

(1,0,0)×(0,1,0)=(0,0,1).

Other names and search terms

vector product.

Where this fits

When should you learn Cross product?

The first encounter is not the final level. Many ideas begin visually, become computational in high school and become formal in college.

  1. 1Pre-high schoolPrepare foundations
  2. 2High schoolUsually introduced
  3. 3CollegeGreater depth
  4. 4AdvancedGreater depth
Typical subjects
  • Vectors
  • Linear algebra
Know first
  • Algebra
  • Coordinates
  • Functions
What it unlocks
  • Transformations
  • Eigenvalues
  • State spaces

Clear answers

Questions about Cross product

What does Cross product mean in mathematics?

A three-dimensional vector perpendicular to two input vectors, with magnitude equal to the parallelogram area they span.

How is Cross product written?

A common notation is a×b.

What is an example of Cross product?

(1,0,0)×(0,1,0)=(0,0,1).

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